Buzz4Good! Nonprofits + Marketing

NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) for Nonprofits

Michael Hemphill, Creator of Buzz Season 2 Episode 27

On today’s show Buzz4Good creator Michael Hemphill presents a treat for all sports fans and, in particular, for those who cheer on the Virginia Tech Hokies. 

College football kicks off in a few weeks, but for nonprofits in Southwest Virginia there’s as much enthusiasm for what Virginia Tech’s football players have been doing off the field as they’re on the field achievements.

That’s due to The Hokie Way

The Hokie Way provides NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and money to Hokie student-athletes, who in turn use their brands to promote nonprofit causes such as Feeding Southwest Virginia, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia, LifeRing Foundation, Eastmont Community Foundation, and so on.

On today’s show, we talk to:

  • Kenny Brooks and Liz Kitley from Virginia Tech women’s basketball team, which made it to the Final Four in the 2023 NCAA Tournament;
  • Hokie head football coach Brent Pry along with a couple of his players;
  • Women’s golf coach Carol Robertson;
  • VT men’s basketball star Sean Pedulla, members of the women’s soccer team, and more.

They’ll share the importance of NIL in today’s collegiate athletics landscape, and how much they appreciate being able to use their name, image and likeness in a very unique, Virginia Tech way, to advance the university’s mission of Ut Prosim, "That I May Serve."

People on this episode